Join DYP for a special conversation with Michael Ford, CEO of Regional Transit Authority of Southeastern Michigan. Learn about his path to success and lesson learned. Have questions about upcoming transit plans? Get them answered here.
Registration is FREE for DYP Members and $15 for non-Members (Members - Register through the Member Portal). NOT A MEMBER? Join today and access this event using the special link in the DYP Member Portal.
Limited space is availble so REGISTER NOW!
BIOGRAPHY:
Michael is responsible for carrying out the Authority’s mission; for the planning, coordination, development and operations of all RTA efficient local and regional services; as well as passing a referendum in 2016.
Michael consults and collaborates with leadership from government entities, stakeholder and community partners. Michael has more than 30 years experience with leadership roles in both public and private transportation. Michael holds a BA in Sociology and Philosophy from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, and an MBA from City University in Seattle, Washington. Prior to coming to the RTA, Michael was the CEO at the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority.
In the past year Michael led a governance change which resulted in the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority expanding from one jurisdiction (City of Ann Arbor) to three (adding the City of Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township). Under his leadership at the AAATA fixed-route bus service was expanded yielding record ridership and national recognition, a successful van pool program was launched, an airport shuttle program was created through a public-private partnership, and he oversaw the completion of the new LEED gold certified Blake Transit Center. In early May 2014, voters in the three jurisdictions approved a millage to expand transportation in the greater Ann Arbor area by a 3-1 vote.
Michael was raised in Seattle, Washington and now lives in the city of Detroit, Michigan. Michael has previously served on many boards in Portland, Oregon where he was the Director of Transportation Operations for TriMet, the Portland area transportation service. He has also authored books to help the refugee and immigrant populations, many of which are in a variety of languages to help provide access to vital services. Michael has served in leadership roles on several boards of international, national and local organizations. He is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, the Business Development Committee for Ann Arbor SPARK, and three national panels for the Transportation Cooperative Research Program; serving in a leadership role on at least one of the panels.
Michael’s passions are cycling, working out, world travel, and jazz music.